Dental Implants
Hellertown, PA

Tooth loss has many causes. Some of the most common reasons for tooth loss include gum disease, facial trauma, and tooth decay. Depending upon the situation, the affected teeth may fall out on their own, or they may need to be extracted. No matter how your teeth come out, tooth loss has several serious effects on your life. In addition to affecting biting and chewing, tooth loss can affect your speech, your smile, and the health of your jawbone. At DeWire Dental, we can replace your missing teeth, restoring all of the functions of your missing teeth, with dental implants which are a titanium post designed to replace missing teeth.

What are Dental Implants?

Traditionally, missing teeth have been replaced using dental bridges or dentures. Today, dental implants provide you with an alternative to these traditional treatments. Dental implants involve the use of small titanium posts, which are surgically placed into your jawbone. These posts become the roots that will provide support for your replacement teeth. They are stabilized in your jaw in a process called osseointegration. This is a natural process in which your bone gradually fuses to the posts, which helps to turn them into strong, secure supports. Dental implants will restore your smile and confidence. A proper oral hygiene routine and regular dental cleanings and exams are still needed to maintain your implants.

Different Implants for Different Needs

Dental implants can be used to meet some different needs. No matter if you are missing a single tooth or an entire arch, there is an option for everyone.

•	Single tooth implants. A single tooth implant is used to replace an individual tooth. One post supports one crown. You can have several single-tooth implants in your mouth, either in different locations or right next to one another.
•	Multiple teeth implants. A multiple teeth implant is also called an implant supported bridge. It is used to replace two or more consecutive missing teeth.
•	Full arch replacement. A full arch replacement is used to replace an entire arch of teeth. Typically, 6 to 8 posts are used.
•	All on 4. All on 4 is a full arch replacement that uses only four posts. This treatment is used when your jawbone is not strong enough to support the typical number of implant posts used for a full arch replacement. The posts are placed in your jaw in a manner that helps to avoid the need for a bone graft.

Why Get Dental Implants?

Dental implants offer numerous benefits.

•	Dental implants look, feel, and function just like your natural teeth.
•	They are incredibly comfortable. Rather than being supported by your gums or adjacent teeth, your replacement teeth are supported by the implant posts in your jaw.
•	Implants can be brushed and flossed just like your real teeth.
•	Your teeth are held securely in place and will not slip out of position or fall out.
•	When a tooth is lost as a result of a dental injury, it is important to have it replaced right away. Emergency Dental Implants can be a solution.
•	Implants help to stop and prevent bone loss in your jaw. They are currently the only tooth replacement option available that can provide this benefit.

Are There Any Drawbacks to Dental Implants?

Although there are many benefits to dental implants, there are also a few disadvantages as well.

•	You need to undergo a surgical procedure in order to place the implant posts.
•	Recovery can take several weeks to several months.
•	Without enough bone mass in your jaw, you may require a bone graft, which adds surgery and extra costs.
•	Implants tend to cost more than traditional treatments.

NobelPearl

Thanks to advancements in technology and new techniques, we can now help even more patients undergo implant treatment with NobelPearl! NobelPearl is a new type of implant manufactured by Nobel Biocare, the industry leader in high-quality dental implants. Instead of titanium, NobelPearl implants are fabricated using a strong ceramic compound, a revolutionary new concept!

This type of ceramic implant is also broken down into two pieces just like titanium ones: the implant screw and the abutment. Because NobelPearl is fabricated using tooth-colored ceramic, your new restoration will provide a more natural, esthetically-pleasing look. Conventional metal implants have a habit of showing through the bottom of a prosthesis. Read more about NobelPearl here.

If you are interested in learning more about dental implants, and finding out if dental implants are the right solution for you, call DeWire Dental today at (610) 838-6188 to schedule your appointment.